Accuracy and experience of game by activating appropriate light-emitting fibers intertwined in grass related to a player&#39;s or game object&#39;s position

ABSTRACT

A method, system and computer program product for improving accuracy and experience of a game. Signals are sent from a computer system to appropriate sensors based on a player&#39;s or game object&#39;s position to activate connected light-emitting fibers that are blended with grass on a playing field. The light-emitting fibers are activated in such a manner to display light to indicate an infraction (e.g., a player was in an offside position), a successful play (e.g., team made a first down), appropriate maneuvers, boundaries for a play, etc., thereby ensuring the game is fair and accurate and enhancing the experience of the game.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention is related to the following U.S. patentapplication which is incorporated herein by reference:

Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. RSW920070157US1) entitled“Improving Accuracy and Experience of Game by Activating AppropriateLight-Emitting Fibers Intertwined in Grass Related to a Game Object orPlayer Entering or Leaving a Hot Zone Area” filed ______.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of sports, and moreparticularly to improving the accuracy and experience of a game byactivating appropriate light-emitting fibers that are intertwined ingrass on a playing field in order to display dynamic lines indictinginfractions, successful plays, appropriate maneuvers, boundaries for aplay, etc.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Sports is an activity that is governed by a set of rules or customs andoften engaged in competitively. Sports commonly refers to activitieswhere the physical capabilities of the competitor are the sole orprimary determiner of the outcome (winning or losing), but the term isalso used to include activities such as mind sports and motor sportswhere mental acuity or equipment quality are major factors. Sports areused as entertainment for the player and the viewer. It has also beenproven by experiments that daily exercise increases mental strength andpower to study.

Technology is playing an important role in sports, whether applied to anathlete's health, the athlete's technique, equipment's characteristicsor even ensuring a fair game. For example, a system referred to as“instant replay” has been implemented in several sports (e.g., football,hockey, college football, basketball, tennis, rugby, etc.) where playsin a sporting match can be reviewed (or replayed) using recorded videofeeds of the sporting match in order to ensure that the correct call ismade on the play. However, instant replay is usually limited to beingused in certain situations. For example, goals in hockey can only bereviewed in the following situations: puck crossing the goal linecompletely; puck in the net prior to the end of the period; puck in thenet prior to goal frame being dislodged; puck being directed into thenet by hand or foot; puck in the net after deflecting directly off anofficial; and puck deflected into the goal by the high stick by anattacking player. Hence, many calls are still subject to human error.Further, even with instant replay, mistakes may still occur as usually areferee, a replay judge, etc., can only overturn a call if the call isclearly in error. Hence, a call may be incorrect but if there is notenough evidence to show the call to be clearly incorrect, the call willstand.

Recently, a synthetic turf system used on a game field has beendeveloped that includes blades of polyethylene grass blended withlight-emitting fibers with the capability of reflecting light upwards.The fiber-optical laden blades are supposed to have the same look, feeland durability as non-illuminated blades. This system is commonly beingreferred to as “Turf TV” as the fiber-optical blades can be used todisplay team logos and even commercial viewing.

As technology continues to play an important role in sports, it would bedesirable if this fiber optic field technology could be used to ensurethe game is even more fair and accurate than under the current system ofinstant replay thereby enhancing the experience of the game.

SUMMARY

The problems outlined above may at least in part be solved in someembodiments by activating the appropriate light-emitting fibers on theplaying field based on a player's or game object's position to displaylight in such a manner as to indicate an infraction (e.g., a player wasin an offside position), a successful play (e.g., team made a firstdown), appropriate maneuvers, boundaries for a play, etc., therebyensuring the game is fair and accurate and enhancing the experience ofthe game.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for improvingaccuracy and experience of a game comprises the step of sending signalsto appropriate sensors to activate appropriate light-emitting fibersblended with grass on a field. The method further comprises activatingthe appropriate light-emitting fibers to give off light.

The foregoing has outlined rather generally the features and technicaladvantages of one or more embodiments of the present invention in orderthat the detailed description of the present invention that follows maybe better understood. Additional features and advantages of the presentinvention will be described hereinafter which may form the subject ofthe claims of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained when thefollowing detailed description is considered in conjunction with thefollowing drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A-B illustrate a game field incorporating optical fieldtechnology in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a hardware configuration of a computer system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for drawing dynamic lines on the fieldto indicate an appropriate distance from an object in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating appropriate light-emitting fibers beingactivated in a manner that displays a ten yard circle around a ball inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for drawing dynamic lines on the fieldto highlight an infraction, a successful play, etc., based on game rulesin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention comprises a method, system and computer programproduct for improving accuracy and experience of a game. In oneembodiment of the present invention, signals are sent from a computersystem to appropriate sensors based on a player's or game object'sposition to activate connected light-emitting fibers that are blendedwith grass on a playing field. The light-emitting fibers are activatedin such a manner as to display light to indicate an infraction (e.g., aplayer was in an offside position), a successful play (e.g., team made afirst down), appropriate maneuvers, boundaries for a play, etc., therebyensuring the game is fair and accurate and enhancing the experience ofthe game.

While the following discusses the present invention in connection withsports, the principles of the present invention may be applied to otherevents, such as half-time shows for a band or a dance team. For example,dynamic lines may be displayed on the playing field indicating whereparticular band or dance team members need to be on the field. Theprinciples of the present invention may be applied to any event thatuses a field. Further, a person of ordinary skill in the art would becapable of applying the principles of the present invention to any eventthat uses a playing field. Further, embodiments covering suchpermutations would fall within the scope of the present invention.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth toprovide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, itwill be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present inventionmay be practiced without such specific details. In other instances,well-known circuits have been shown in block diagram form in order notto obscure the present invention in unnecessary detail. For the mostpart, details considering timing considerations and the like have beenomitted inasmuch as such details are not necessary to obtain a completeunderstanding of the present invention and are within the skills ofpersons of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

FIGS. 1A-B—Game Field Implementing Grass Blended With Fiber Optic Blades

FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of the present invention of a gameplaying field 100 (e.g., soccer field, football field) where field 100is divided into “trays” 101A-X that may be square shaped. Trays 101A-Xmay collectively or individually be referred to as trays 101 or tray101, respectively. It is noted that trays 101 may be configured in adifferent shape than a square and that FIG. 1A is illustrative. Further,field 100 may include any number of trays 101 (e.g., 1,750 trays) thatare interconnected with each other. Each tray 101 may include thousandsof blades of grass 102 (e.g., polyethylene grass), blended withlight-emitting fibers 103 (e.g., optical fibers), that reflect lightupwards from tray 101 as illustrated in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 1B illustrates one of the thousands of blades of grass 102 in tray101 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referringto FIG. 1B, each blade of grass 102 may be positioned in or on the soil104 or other material. A portion of or all of the thousands of blades ofgrass 102 in tray 101 may each be blended with a light-emitting fiber103. Light-emitting fiber 103 may be connected to a sensor 105configured to detect the obscuring of light thereby indicating themovement of a ball or a player passing light-emitting fiber 103. Sensor105 may further be configured to activate the connected light-emittingfiber 103 thereby allowing light-emitting fiber 103 to provide light ofa certain color (including white light). Each sensor 105 may beconnected to a computer 106 configured to control the activation oflight-emitting fibers 103 in each tray 101 in field 100 as discussedfurther below in connection with FIGS. 3-5. A more detail discussion ofcomputer system 106 is provided below in connection with FIG. 2.

FIG. 2—Computer System

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a hardware configuration of computersystem 106 (FIG. 1B) which is representative of a hardware environmentfor practicing the present invention. Computer system 106 may have aprocessor 201 coupled to various other components by system bus 202. Anoperating system 203 may run on processor 201 and provide control andcoordinate the functions of the various components of FIG. 2. Anapplication 204 in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention may run in conjunction with operating system 203 and providecalls to operating system 203 where the calls implement the variousfunctions or services to be performed by application 204. Application204 may include, for example, a program for improving the accuracy andexperience of a game by implementing fiber optic field technology asdiscussed further below in association with FIGS. 3-5.

Referring to FIG. 2, read-only memory (“ROM”) 205 may be coupled tosystem bus 202 and include a basic input/output system (“BIOS”) thatcontrols certain basic functions of computer system 106. Random accessmemory (“RAM”) 206 and disk adapter 207 may also be coupled to systembus 202. It should be noted that software components including operatingsystem 203 and application 204 may be loaded into RAM 206, which may becomputer system's 106 main memory for execution. Disk adapter 207 may bean integrated drive electronics (“IDE”) adapter that communicates with adisk unit 208, e.g., disk drive. It is noted that the program forimproving the accuracy and experience of a game by implementing fiberoptic field technology, as discussed further below in association withFIGS. 3-5, may reside in disk unit 208 or in application 204.

Referring to FIG. 2, computer system 106 may further include acommunications adapter 209 coupled to bus 202. Communications adapter209 may interconnect bus 202 with a network (e.g., local area network(“LAN”), wide area network (“WAN”)) to allow computer system 106 tocommunicate with sensors 105 (FIG. 1B).

Computer system 106 may further include a radio frequency identificationreceiver 210 (indicated as “RFID RXVR” in FIG. 2) configured to receivedata sent from a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) chip or tagthat may be placed on an object (e.g., soccer ball), on a player or in aplayer's equipment (e.g., football helmet, player's shoe). The RFID chipor tag stores data that may be thought of as an “electronic label” or a“code plate” that uniquely identifies items or players. Hence, upon RFIDRXVR 210 receiving radio frequency identification tag data, application204 may be configured to read the tag data and determine the object(e.g., soccer ball) or player (e.g., Joe Smith) associated with the tagdata.

In connection with receiving the tag data, computer system 106 mayfurther receive geographic information via a geographic data receiver211 (indicated as “Geographic Data RXVR” in FIG. 2). The geographicinformation may include global positioning system (“GPS”) data from aGPS receiver which may be placed inside a ball (e.g., football, soccerball) or on a player or in a player's equipment (e.g., football helmet,player's shoe). As is commonly known in the art, the GPS receiver usestriangulation to determine its location. The GPS receiver may relayposition data to geographic data receiver 211, such as by using the NMEA0183 protocol. Upon receiving the position data along with the tag data,computer system 106 is able to determine the position of the ball or theidentified player on field 100 (FIG. 1A).

Referring to FIG. 2, input/output (“I/O”) devices may also be connectedto computer system 106 via a user interface adapter 222 and a displayadapter 236. Keyboard 224, mouse 226 and speaker 230 may all beinterconnected to bus 202 through user interface adapter 222. Data maybe inputted to computer system 106 through any of these devices. Adisplay monitor 238 may be connected to system bus 202 by displayadapter 236. In this manner, a user is capable of inputting to computersystem 106 through keyboard 224 or mouse 226 and receiving output fromcomputer system 106 via display 238 or speaker 230.

The various aspects, features, embodiments or implementations of theinvention described herein can be used alone or in various combinations.The methods of the present invention can be implemented by software,hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The presentinvention can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computerreadable medium. The computer readable medium is any data storage devicethat can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system.Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory,random access memory, CD-ROMs, flash memory cards, DVDs, magnetic tape,optical data storage devices, and carrier waves. The computer readablemedium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems sothat the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributedfashion.

As stated in the Background Information section, technology is playingan important role in sports, whether applied to an athlete's health, theathlete's technique, equipment's characteristics or even ensuring a fairgame. For example, a system referred to as “instant replay” has beenimplemented in several sports (e.g., football, hockey, college football,basketball, tennis, rugby, etc.) where plays in a sporting match can bereviewed (or replayed) using recorded video feeds of the sporting matchin order to ensure that the correct call is made on the play. However,instant replay is usually limited to being used in certain situations.Hence, many calls are still subject to human error. Further, even withinstant replay, mistakes may still occur as usually a referee, a replayjudge, etc., can only overturn a call if the call is clearly in error.Hence, a call may be incorrect but if there is not enough evidence toshow the call to be clearly incorrect, the call will stand. Recently, asynthetic turf system used on a game field has been developed thatincludes blades of polyethylene grass blended with light-emitting fiberswith the capability of reflecting light upwards. The fiber-optical ladenblades are supposed to have the same look, feel and durability asnon-illuminated blades. This system is commonly being referred to as“Turf TV” as the fiber-optical blades can be used to display team logosand even commercial viewing. As technology continues to play animportant role in sports, it would be desirable if this fiber opticfield technology could be used to ensure the game is even more fair andaccurate than under the current system of instant replay therebyenhancing the experience of the game. The fiber optic field technology,as discussed in connection with FIGS. 1A-B, is used to ensure the gameis more fair and accurate than the current system of instant replay asdiscussed further below in connection with FIGS. 3-5. FIG. 3 is aflowchart of a method for drawing dynamic lines on field 100 (FIG. 1A)to indicate an appropriate distance from an object (e.g., soccer ball)on field 100 to begin a play (e.g., direct free kick in soccer). FIG. 4is a diagram illustrating appropriate light-emitting fibers 103 beingactivated in a manner that displays a circle around a soccer ball with aradius of ten yards, where a “direct free kick” in soccer requires theopponents to be beyond ten yards from the location of the soccer ball.FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for drawing dynamic lines on field 100to highlight an infraction, a successful play, etc. based on game rules.

FIG. 3—Method for Drawing Dynamic Lines on the Playing Field to Indicatean Appropriate Distance from an Object

FIG. 3 is a method 300 for drawing dynamic lines on field 100 (FIG. 1A)to indicate an appropriate distance from an object (e.g., soccer ball)in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, in conjunction with FIGS. 1-2, in step 301,computer system 106 receives geographic information and radio frequencyidentification tag data from a ball on field 100. For example, the ball(e.g., soccer ball) may be equipped with both a global positioningsystem receiver and a radio frequency tag as illustrated in FIG. 4.Referring to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating appropriatelight-emitting fibers 103 being activated in a manner that displays acircle around a soccer ball 401 in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. As illustrated in FIG. 4, soccer ball 401 may beequipped with a GPS receiver 402 and a RFID tag 403. Both GPS receiver402 and RFID tag 403 may be configured to transmit geographic and radiofrequency identification tag data, respectively, to computer system 106.

Returning to FIG. 3, in conjunction with FIGS. 1-2, in step 302,computer system 106 determines the location of the ball on field 100based on the geographic information received from the ball in step 301.Further, computer system 106 identifies the ball based on the receivedradio frequency identification tag data in step 301 thereby associatingthe received geographic information with the ball.

In step 303, computer system 106 receives an indication from a referee,directly or indirectly, of an infraction. For example, computer system106 may receive an indication of a foul (e.g., pushing, tripping) in thegame of soccer thereby necessitating awarding the opposing team a“direct free kick.” For a direct free kick, the soccer ball should bestationary and opponents must remain ten yards from the ball until theball is in play.

In step 304, computer system 106 sends signals to appropriate sensors105 to activate connected light-emitting fibers 103 in grass blades 102to give off light. For example, computer system 106, after determiningthe location of the ball in step 302, may send signals to appropriatesensors 105 that are located ten yards from the ball to activate thoseconnected light-emitting fibers 103 to give off light.

In step 305, the appropriate light-emitting fibers 103 in grass blades102 are activated to give off light. For example, referring to FIG. 4,computer system 106, after determining the location of soccer ball 401in step 302, may send signals to appropriate sensors 105 that arelocated ten yards from ball 401 to activate those connectedlight-emitting fibers 103 to give off light thereby displaying a lightedcircle 404 with a radius often yards from soccer ball 401. By displayinglighted circle 404, referees can accurately determine if an opposingplayer is within ten yards from soccer ball 401 thereby ensuring thegame is fair and accurate and enhancing the experience of the game. Itis noted that the line, circle, etc., may be displayed for a specifiedduration of time or until the game or field condition or information hasbeen updated or changed.

While FIG. 3 was discussed in connection with an example of a directfree kick in soccer, the principles of the present invention of FIG. 3may be applied to other sports and other infractions where a locationfrom the game playing object (e.g., football) is important in ensuringthe game is fair and accurate. It is noted that a person of ordinaryskill in the art would be capable of applying the principles of thepresent invention of FIG. 3 to other sports and other infractions wherea location from the game playing object is important in ensuring thegame is fair and accurate. Further, embodiments covering suchpermutations would fall within the scope of the present invention.

Further, while FIG. 3 was discussed in connection with an example of adirect free kick in soccer, the principles of the present invention ofFIG. 3 may be applied to determining the location of any game playingobject (e.g., baseball bat). It is noted that a person of ordinary skillin the art would be capable of applying the principles of the presentinvention of FIG. 3 to determining the location of any game playingobject (e.g., baseball bat). Further, embodiments covering suchpermutations would fall within the scope of the present invention.

Method 300 may include other and/or additional steps that, for clarity,are not depicted. Further, method 300 may be executed in a differentorder presented and that the order presented in the discussion of FIG. 3is illustrative. Additionally, certain steps in method 300 may beexecuted in a substantially simultaneous manner or may be omitted.

A method for drawing dynamic lines on field 100 to highlight aninfraction, a successful play, etc. based on game rules is now discussedbelow in association with FIG. 5.

FIG. 5—Method for Drawing Dynamic Lines on the Playing Field to Indicatean Infraction, Successful Play, etc. Based on Game Rules

FIG. 5 is a method 500 for drawing dynamic lines on field 100 (FIG. 1A)to indicate an infraction, a successful play, etc. based on game rules.

Referring to FIG. 5, in conjunction with FIGS. 1-2, in step 501,computer system 106 receives geographic information and radio frequencyidentification tag data from a player on field 100. For example, theplayer's equipment (e.g., helmet, shoe) may be equipped with both aglobal positioning system receiver and a radio frequency tag. Both theglobal positioning system receiver and the radio frequency tag may beconfigured to transmit geographic and radio frequency identification tagdata, respectively, to computer system 106.

In step 502, computer system 106 determines the location of the playeron field 100 based on the geographic information received from theplayer in step 501. Further, computer system 106 identifies the playerbased on the received radio frequency identification tag data in step501 thereby associating the received geographic information with theplayer. In addition to determining the location of the player on field100, computer system 106 may determine the orientation of the playerbased on multiple geographic data received from the player over a periodof time. For example, computer system 106 may determine that the playeris running in a northwest manner based on multiple received geographicdata from the player.

In step 503, computer system 106 receives geographic information andradio frequency identification tag data from a ball on field 100. Forexample, a football may be equipped with both a global positioningsystem receiver and a radio frequency tag. Both the global positioningsystem receiver and the radio frequency tag may be configured totransmit geographic and radio frequency identification tag data,respectively, to computer system 106.

In step 504, computer system 106 determines the location of the ball onfield 100 based on the geographic information received from the ball instep 503. Further, computer system 106 identifies the ball based on thereceived radio frequency identification tag data in step 503 therebyassociating the received geographic information with the ball.

In step 505, computer system 106 determines dynamic lines on field 100according to game rules. “Dynamic lines,” as used herein, refers tolines, circles, squares, etc., that are generated, but not displayed onfield 100, that indicate boundaries for an infraction, a successfulplay, etc. For example, computer system 106 may dynamically determine aline which indicates an offside position in soccer.

In step 506, computer system 106 determines whether there are anyinfractions based on the game rules and the location of the players onfield 100. For example, computer system 106 determines whether a soccerplayer is in an offside position. If there is an infraction, then, instep 507, computer system 106 sends signals to appropriate sensors 105to activate connected light-emitting fibers 103 in grass blades 102 togive off light to highlight the infraction. For example, computer system106, after determining a player is in an offside position, may sendsignals to appropriate sensors 105 that are located at the offsideposition to activate those connected light-emitting fibers 103 to giveoff light.

In step 508, the appropriate light-emitting fibers 103 in grass blades102 are activated to give off light to highlight the infraction. Forexample, the light-emitting fibers 103 may be activated in a manner tohighlight that a player was in an offside position. By displaying lighton field 100 in a manner to indicate an infraction (e.g., a player wasin an offside position), referees can accurately determine if aninfraction has occurred thereby ensuring the game is fair and accurateand enhancing the experience of the game.

If, however, there was no infraction, then, in step 509, computer system106 determines whether there are any successful plays based on the gamerules and the location of the players on field 100. For example,computer system 106 determines whether the football past the first downline. If the football past the first down line, then, in step 510,computer system 106 sends signals to appropriate sensors 105 to activateconnected light-emitting fibers 103 in grass blades 102 to give offlight to highlight the fact that the team made a first down. Forexample, computer system 106, after determining a first down has beenmade, may send signals to appropriate sensors 105 that are located atthe first down line to activate those connected light-emitting fibers103 to give off light.

In step 510, the appropriate light-emitting fibers 103 in grass blades102 are activated to give off light to highlight the successful play.For example, the light-emitting fibers 103 may be activated in a mannerto highlight that a team made a first down. By displaying light on field100 in a manner to indicate a successful play (e.g., team made a firstdown), referees can accurately determine if a successful play hasoccurred thereby ensuring the game is fair and accurate and enhancingthe experience of the game.

If, however, there was not a successful play, then computer system 106receives additional geographic information and radio frequencyidentification tag data from a player on field 100 in step 501.

While FIG. 5 was discussed in connection with examples of displayinglight to highlight infractions, such as being offside in soccer, orsuccessful plays, such as making a first down in football, theprinciples of the present invention of FIG. 5 may be applied to othersports and other infractions or successful plays where an infraction orsuccessful play is based on the position of a playing object and/orplayer(s). It is noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art wouldbe capable of applying the principles of the present invention of FIG. 5to other sports and other infractions or successful plays where aninfraction or successful play is based on the position of a playingobject and/or player(s). Further, embodiments covering such permutationswould fall within the scope of the present invention.

Further, while FIG. 5 was discussed in connection with displaying lightto indicate infractions or successful plays, the principles of thepresent invention of FIG. 5 may be applied to displaying light: toindicate the direction of a player; to guide an individual (e.g., aplayer, a band member) to perform a particular play, stance,orientation, etc., to improve their skills; to indicate a huddle, and soforth. It is noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art would becapable of applying the principles of the present invention of FIG. 5 todisplay light to indicate other aspects of the game other thaninfractions or successful plays. Further, embodiments covering suchpermutations would fall within the scope of the present invention.

Method 500 may include other and/or additional steps that, for clarity,are not depicted. Further, method 500 may be executed in a differentorder presented and that the order presented in the discussion of FIG. 5is illustrative. Additionally, certain steps in method 500 (e.g., steps501 and 503; and steps 502 and 504) may be executed in a substantiallysimultaneous manner or may be omitted.

Although the method, system and computer program product are describedin connection with several embodiments, it is not intended to be limitedto the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it isintended to cover such alternatives, modifications and equivalents, ascan be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the inventionas defined by the appended claims. It is noted that the headings areused only for organizational purposes and not meant to limit the scopeof the description or claims.

1-10. (canceled)
 11. A system, comprising: a memory unit for storing acomputer program for improving accuracy and experience of a game; and aprocessor coupled to said memory unit, wherein said processor,responsive to said computer program, comprises: circuitry for sendingsignals to appropriate sensors to activate appropriate light-emittingfibers blended with grass on a field; circuitry for activating saidappropriate light-emitting fibers to give off light; circuitry forreceiving geographic information from a game object; and circuitry fordetermining location of said game object on said field; wherein saidappropriate light-emitting fibers are activated to give off light in amanner that indicates an appropriate distance from said game object onsaid field. 12-13. (canceled)
 14. A system, comprising: a memory unitfor storing a computer program for improving accuracy and experience ofa game; and a processor coupled to said memory unit wherein saidprocessor, responsive to said computer program, comprises: circuitry forsending signals to appropriate sensors to activate appropriatelight-emitting fibers blended with grass on a field; circuitry foractivating said appropriate light-emitting fibers to give off light; andcircuitry for determining dynamic lines on said field according to gamerules; wherein said signals are sent to said appropriate sensors toactivate said appropriate light-emitting fibers to highlight one of thefollowing: an infraction and a successful play. 15-16. (canceled)
 17. Acomputer program product embodied in a computer readable medium forimproving accuracy and experience of a game comprising the programmingsteps of: sending signals to appropriate sensors to activate appropriatelight-emitting fibers blended with grass on a field; activating saidappropriate light-emitting fibers to give off light; receivinggeographic information from a game object; and determining location ofsaid game object on said field; wherein said appropriate light-emittingfibers are activated to give off light in a manner that indicates anappropriate distance from said game object on said field. 18-19.(canceled)
 20. A computer program product embodied in a computerreadable medium for improving accuracy and experience of a gamecomprising the programming steps of: sending signals to appropriatesensors to activate appropriate light-emitting fibers blended with grasson a field; activating said appropriate light-emitting fibers to giveoff light; and determining dynamic lines on said field according to gamerules; wherein said signals are sent to said appropriate sensors toactivate said appropriate light-emitting fibers to highlight one of thefollowing: an infraction and a successful play.
 21. A system,comprising: a memory unit for storing a computer program for improvingaccuracy and experience of a game; and a processor coupled to saidmemory unit, wherein said processor, responsive to said computerprogram, comprises: circuitry for sending signals to appropriate sensorsto activate appropriate light-emitting fibers blended with grass on afield; and circuitry for activating said appropriate light-emittingfibers to give off light; wherein said signals are sent to saidappropriate sensors to activate said appropriate light-emitting fibersto perform one or more of the following: guide an orientation of anindividual, highlight a direction of a player, and highlight a huddle.22. A computer program product embodied in a computer readable mediumfor improving accuracy and experience of a game comprising theprogramming steps of: sending signals to appropriate sensors to activateappropriate light-emitting fibers blended with grass on a field; andactivating said appropriate light-emitting fibers to give off light;wherein said signals are sent to said appropriate sensors to activatesaid appropriate light-emitting fibers to perform one or more of thefollowing: guide an orientation of an individual, highlight a directionof a player, and highlight a huddle.